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Q. 17, Short EAF (Part 1) Storm Water Discharge

Environmental Assessment Form Workbook

Will the proposed action create storm water discharge, either from point or non-point sources?
If Yes,
a. Will storm water discharges flow to adjacent properties? __ NO __ YES
b. Will storm water discharges be directed to established conveyance systems (runoff and storm drains)? __ NO __ YES
If Yes, briefly describe:
________________________________________
________________________________________

Background Information

Stormwater runoff comes from rain and snowmelt that flows over land or constructed surfaces such as paved streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and rooftops, and that does not seep into the ground. When this happens, the water picks up and moves chemicals, nutrients, sediments or other pollutants and debris along with it. If this stormwater runoff is not slowed and captured before it flows into reservoirs, water supplies, lakes, rivers, and wetlands, or it flows over on-site wastewater treatment system locations, it can negatively impact water quality or water treatment and supply systems.

Pollution transported by stormwater degrades the quality of drinking water, and damages fisheries and habitats of plants and animals that depend on clean water for survival. Pollutants carried by stormwater can also affect recreational uses of water bodies by making them unsafe for wading, swimming, boating, and fishing.

This question explores what, if any, type of stormwater discharge will occur as a result of your proposed activity. A project may create stormwater runoff that is discharged at a specific location such as a ditch, pipe, or channel (point sources). Or, a project may result in stormwater that comes from many diffuse sources (nonpoint sources).

Answering the Question

Go to the Stormwater Interactive Map for more information related to the New York State Stormwater General Permit program. This interactive map will help you locate your project site in relation to stormwater related requirements and regulated areas such as regulated MS4 areas, and Watershed Improvement Strategy Areas. This information may also be helpful to you to answer Question 2 of the Short Environmental Assessment Form

Will the proposed action create storm water discharge, either from point or non-point sources?

Answer no if your proposed project does not include any land grading, land clearing, construction, or expansion of current uses that will result in stormwater runoff. Actions such as placement of a sign are examples of actions that would not result in any stormwater discharge.

Answer yes if the proposed project includes land grading, land clearing, construction activities, or expansion of a current land use that will result in stormwater runoff. Some stormwater discharge will likely occur from any of these activities. If your answer is yes, then answer parts a and b of this question. If your answer is yes, then it is very likely that either part a or b, and possibly both, will also be yes. Part a and b will both be no only if 100% of the stormwater will be handled and remain onsite.

a. Will storm water discharges flow to adjacent properties?

Answer no if stormwater will not flow to adjacent properties

Answer yes if the stormwater generated from the proposed activity is likely to flow onto adjacent properties due to the slope of the land, or through constructed drainage systems.

b. Will storm water discharges be directed to established conveyance systems (runoff and storm drains)?

Answer no if stormwater generated from the proposed activity will not be connected into an existing stormwater drainage system.

Answer yes if the stormwater generated from the proposed activity will be managed by connecting into an existing stormwater drainage system. These include storm drains.

If your proposed activity is directing stormwater runoff into an existing system, describe what that system is. An example of this would be "All water from roof gutters and parking lot drainage will be moved to an existing storm drain located at the southeastern corner of the parcel. This storm drain is part of the municipal stormwater system already existing along East Street."